Like all city centres Swansea has had a tough time over recent years. The pandemic, supply issues connected to Brexit, the decline of the high street - they have all made for testing times.
But some challenges are self-inflicted.
Drunkenness, drug-taking, aggressive behaviour and public urination are far from unknown. Even the relatively minor offence of profanity doesn't exactly inspire the welcome you'd want for visitors.
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There are certain well known spots in the city centre where groups of people gather, often with cans and bottles in hand and sometimes the suspicion of other legal or illegal substances in their systems and their language and behaviour can cause offence. Often there can be complex reasons behind such behaviour and the people concerned can sometimes be vulnerable, although not always.
But police and city centre wardens do now have another tool to tackle bad behaviour. This week, Public Space Protection Orders formally came into force. The orders apply to anti-social behaviour in public; drug-taking, drunkenness, going to the toilet in public - and swearing.
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The PSPOs, which have been introduced in other areas including Newport and Monmouthshire, mean alcohol and drugs such as legal highs being consumed on the streets can be confiscated, and fixed penalty notices can now be issued for anti-social behaviour as well as excessive swearing and aggression.
But the threat of fines comes alongside a pledge to treat people who are vulnerable, due to circumstances such as homelessness, sensitively, with the support of housing and outreach services.
Swansea BID chief executive Russell Greenslade said: “These new measures have been welcomed by our stakeholders; they’re all working hard to help the city centre thrive and prosper.
“The issue of ASB is raised by businesses, consumers and visitors quite frequently and it’s important that we all do what’s necessary to improve things. Of course, there are complex issues at the heart of ASB and I know all the agencies involved will carry out their duties in a sensitive and professional way.”
The PSPO will also apply to the Copr Bay coastal park and bridge, while separate PSPOs are being developed for two other locations with a history of anti-social behaviour – a lane off St Helen’s Road and a tunnel, currently closed due to building work, linking The Strand with the High Street.
And the move has been broadly welcomed by people who spoke to WalesOnline in Swansea city centre this week.
Resident Ann Dineen said: "I think swearing is a problem, certainly, especially on a Friday or Saturday night, or when there are a lot of children about. It sends the wrong sort of message. It can be frightening for families, and I think it is something that needs to be dealt with, because if you ignore the low level things, it goes up the scale and behaviour can become worse, so cracking down on the low-level stuff is excellent."
Rhossili resident Andy Nobbs added: "I think sometimes you get people congregating in certain areas of shopping centres, and I suppose it could be offence to some people. People need to be more respectful of others."
Paul Brooks, who was visiting Swansea from Cardiff, said: "I think this should have come in ten or fifteen years ago. The more they can do the better."
But Rebecca Guyton said: "It depends on the way they use it [the powers]. If they come over to you when you are having a chat and they say, 'can you mind your language because there are little kids about', that's one thing, but if they are using it to get you off the streets, that's something different then."
If successful, PSPOs could be introduced in areas such as SA1, Swansea Beach and the centre of Morriston.
Every year, hundreds of complaints about anti-social behaviour are made to Swansea city centre rangers. Police records show it to be a key issue affecting the city centre.
Since December, rangers have been explaining to people how the PSPO will work. In that time there were more than 120 interventions by rangers, for issues including drinking alcohol off a licensed premises, going to the toilet in public and public order. Some individuals were addressed on multiple occasions.
The rangers will be able to issue formal warnings and, later, fixed penalty notices to tackle negative behaviour that people see as aggressive or intimidating. They have had additional training, including sessions on engaging with those who are vulnerable.
Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “Our new powers – working with those the police already have - will help residents, businesses, shoppers, workers and visitors enjoy our fast-improving city centre.
“PSPOs are already in place in other towns and cities. People in Swansea are fed up with anti-social behaviour and want something done about it – the PSPO scheme will help address the issue. People should not feel intimidated or threatened by ASB.”
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